Mom Accused of Beating Son

(Fayetteville, North Carolina) A 22-year-old mother, Rhiana Erica Lingham, has been charged with felony child abuse for allegedly beating her three-year-old son.

Investigators found numerous marks on the boy's torso, legs and groin.

Lingham initially was charged with misdemeanor child abuse but because of the severity of the marks and the pain they caused, investigators opted for the felony violation, the release said.

Lingham is charged with assault inflicting serious bodily injury, the release said.

The boy has a congenital heart defect and is under the care of a cardiologist, the release said.

Lingham was booked into custody at the Cumberland County Detention Center with bond set at $10,000. A court appearance is scheduled for tomorrow.